GGF CONSUMER CODE GAINS TRADING STANDARDS APPROVAL

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The GGF is delighted to announce that its revised Consumer Code of Practice issued last year has gained full approval from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) under its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

It is a significant leap as the GGF has operated a Consumer Code of Practice since 1977. The content of the Code was in previous years agreed with The Office of Fair Trading but last year the GGF issued its new Consumer Code of Practice to its Member companies, to take account of all new consumer legislation over the past two years and to enhance the consumer protection given by Members.

The new Code was launched in September 2015 and distributed to GGF Members along with GGF Guidance on dealing with vulnerable consumers and the latest version of the Rules of the GGF.

On hearing the news, Brian Smith, GGF Director of Home Improvement and main driver of the project, commented: “This Chartered Trading Standards Institute approval is the result of two years’ excellent work by the GGF Consumer Code project team. We expect the CTSI approval to enhance the offering by our Member companies to their customers and subsequently contribute to their sales growth. Members will now be able to display the CTSI approved code logo to demonstrate to consumers that they comply with our Code and meet the highest standards in the industry.”

Leon Livermore, CTSI chief executive highlighted the GGF’s commitment to consumer protection and to promoting good practice throughout the industry, commenting, “Homeowners looking to have new glass or glazing products installed in their homes can now use the first CTSI approved code for the sector. The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is committed to consumer protection and helping its members deliver high levels of customer service and we are pleased to welcome them on board.”

The GGF Consumer Code is the first in the glazing sector to be approved by CTSI and is just one of several consumer initiatives currently being implemented by the GGF. These include; setting up MyGlazing.com – a consumer website with an exclusive directory of GGF Members who deal direct with homeowners, improving the GGF Deposit Indemnity Scheme and setting up The Glazing Arbitration Scheme (TGAS) to improve the GGF Conciliation Scheme. In addition, the GGF is also set to launch the new Energy Savings Calculator to help consumers calculate their energy savings when they install energy efficient glazing.

Brian continued: “The approval by CTSI is the icing on the cake for the new GGF Consumer Code. As well as ensuring high standards of consumer protection for customers of GGF Member companies, the new Code fits in extremely well with the new GGF consumer website, www.myglazing.com, launched last year as well as the free GGF consumer protection and conciliations schemes. It’s truly rewarding to see several years work come to fruition and I have no doubt GGF Members will ensure they make the most of this latest benefit.”

As part of the new Code and to enhance the benefits to consumers of dealing with GGF Member companies, last year the GGF increased the deposit and stage payment protection to the best in the industry at 50% of contract value or £12,500, via the GGF Deposit Indemnity Scheme.

The GGF Consumer Code covers home improvement products including glazing as well as renewable energy products such as Solar PV and heat pumps. The GGF therefore expects more membership applications from companies which specialise in renewable energy products and are looking for an alternative approved Consumer Code to comply with Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registration.

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive added, “These are interesting and exciting times for all involved with the GGF. For the last few years our Staff and Members have worked solidly on many ways to help our Members in the home improvement sector. The latest news of Trading Standards Institute approval of our Consumer Code is extremely pleasing and I am sure that our consumer facing Members will use the Code Approval and subsequent benefits to full advantage.”

The GGF will be sending out more information on how Members can use the Consumer Code approval for their benefit over the next few weeks and will be offering further information at The FIT Show in Telford 12-14 April at the GGF Seminar on Consumer Rights and on the GGF Stand #306.

Over the last five years, the GGF Membership has continued to grow with many well-known companies joining. All companies wishing to enquire about membership with a view to joining and using the full suite of the GGF’s consumer benefits, should email membership@ggf.org.uk, or fill in the form on the “Join the GGF” page on https://www.ggf.org.uk/join.